Govt considers action against officers hiding dual citizenship

The Establishment Division has asked the Prime Minister’s Office for permission to initiate disciplinary action against government officers who have not submitted mandatory affidavits declaring their dual citizenship status.

Of the 2,917 senior government officers covered by the exercise, 62.5% have yet to submit their declarations, while only 8.68% of those who have submitted affidavits disclosed that they or their family members hold foreign citizenship.

The Establishment Division has sent a summary to the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking authorisation to proceed against officers who failed to submit the required declarations.

The proposed action covers officers in grades 20, 21 and 22. According to Establishment Division officials, show-cause notices will be issued to the officers concerned after the prime minister grants approval.

Dismissal or compulsory retirement

Officials said disciplinary measures could include withholding promotions, compulsory retirement or dismissal from service, depending on the action taken against the officers.

The move aims to address the failure of senior government officials to comply with the requirement to disclose foreign citizenship held by themselves or their dependents.

Data shared in connection with the exercise shows that 62.5% of the 2,917 government officers have not submitted their affidavits so far.

Among the officers who did submit declarations, only 8.68% disclosed that they or their family members held foreign citizenship. The figures indicate that the majority of the officers covered by the exercise have yet to complete the declaration process.

Senior officers from key govt groups

The officers who have not submitted declarations include officials in Grades 20, 21 and 22 belonging to several key services and groups. These include the Pakistan Administrative Service, Police Service, Secretariat Group and Office Management Group.

Under the Civil Servants Rules, government officers are required to disclose foreign citizenship held by themselves and their dependents.